Sogoro the Fishmonger

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Sogoro the Fishmonger

May 1883, Tokyo

This is a masterwork written by Mokuami at the request of popular actor Kikugoro V, who wanted a role where he could be drunk. It is a domestic drama that also manages to involve a household usurpation plot. As implied by the title, he borrows the theme of the familiar “broken plate” ghost story. Sogoro’s sister Otsuta serves as the mistress to a senior retainer of the shogun, but becomes aware of a plot to take over the household. The blame is then shifted to her, and she is killed and thrown into a well. The main part of this work, however, is the subsequent story of Somogoro, who breaks his abstinence for a sip of sake, starts drinking more heavily and gets totally drunk. The actor’s portrayal of the drunken state is the play’s highlight. Kikugoro V delivered a realistic depiction, making this a signature role. It was further polished by Kikugoro VI, and in recent years Onoe Shoroku II and Nakamura Kan’emon of the Zenshinza Group have done memorable versions.

●main graphic ［from left］Sankichi（Bando Kametoshi）、Sogoro the fishmonger（Onoe Shoroku）、Ohama（Nakamura Shibajaku）、Tahei（Kataoka Ichizo）　May 2010　　Shinbashi Enbujo Theatre

●publication date　October 2015